    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
    [November 18, 2004]
    [Pages 3008-3009]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Review of Organizational Responsibility for the Conduct of
    Certain Operations
    November 18, 2004

    Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the
    Attorney General, the Director of Central Intelligence

    Subject: Review of Organizational Responsibility for the Conduct of
    Certain Operations

        The Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks
    Upon the United States recommended:
          Lead responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary
            operations, whether clandestine or covert, should shift to the
            Defense Department. There it should be consolidated with the
            capabilities for training, direction, and execution of such
            operations already being developed in the Special Operation
            Command.
        The Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence
    jointly shall review matters relating to this recommendation and submit
    to me within 90 days, through the Assistant to the President for
    National Security Affairs, their written advice on whether and to what
    extent implementation of the recommendation is in the interest of the
    United States and what changes to law, executive orders, other
    presidential guidance, or policies would be necessary to implement such
    advice. Their review should include, but not be limited to,
    consideration of similarities and differences in the missions, legal
    authorities, funding, and support infrastructures of the Department of
    Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency with respect to operations
    to which the recommendation refers. A copy of the report will be
    provided to

    [[Page 3009]]

    the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States
    Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. The Commission will advise me on
    the report, particularly with respect to any matters concerning
    countering the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.
        In the course of their review, they shall obtain as necessary legal
    advice from the Attorney General and advice concerning potential effects
    on U.S. foreign relations from the Secretary of State.

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on November 23.